20th Annual 'MSU-PSU Blood Challenge' Kicks-Off November 4th

October 25, 2013

Red Cross celebrates 20 years of helping save lives

East Lansing, MI—October 25--The American Red Cross, Michigan State University, WLNS-TV 6 and WLAJ-TV are once again teaming up for the 20th Annual ‘MSU-PSU Blood Challenge’. All eligible MSU students, staff, alumni and fans are encouraged to roll up their sleeves to help save lives during the three week challenge, which runs from November 4 through November 21.

“MSU is hoping to rebound from a last-day loss during last year’s challenge,” said Todd Kulman, Communications Program Manager with the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “Hopefully everyone who bleeds green and white will find a blood drive convenient for them and help lead Sparty to victory!”

This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Helping Save Lives’. The goal for this year’s challenge is to collect 2,000 units of blood.

“This has become such a wonderful partnership between MSU, PSU and the American Red Cross.” said Kulman. “Even though Michigan State and Penn State don’t meet on the gridiron this year, the competitive spirit between the two schools can still be settled in the blood donation room!”

Everyone who turns out to donate during the three-week challenge can enter for a chance to win one of three (3) Kindle Paperwhite tablets and one of twenty (20) $20 Jimmy John’s gift cards. Everyone will also receive a free Red Cross t-shirt marking the 20th Anniversary of the event.

Blood drives included in the MSU-PSU Challenge take place at various sites throughout the MSU campus and at the Lansing Donor Center (1729 E. Saginaw Highway)

To learn more about the blood drives included in the MSU-PSU Blood Challenge, or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.

How to Donate Blood

To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

About the American Red Cross

The Great Lakes Blood Services Region serves 65 counties, and needs to collect about 650 units of blood a day to meet patient need in hospitals. In addition to supplying about 40 percent of the nation’s blood, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. 10/13AP516